The Standards Committee meeting on 02 February 2026 focused on providing guidance to councillors regarding social media use and discussing anticipated statutory changes to the councillor standards regime. Key decisions included the noting of a report on social media guidance for members and the noting of a report detailing expected legislative changes to the councillor standards regime.

Social Media Guidance for Members

The committee received a report presenting draft guidance on social media use for councillors. This guidance aims to clarify how councillors should handle social media, given its increasing prevalence and the potential for legal risks and reputational damage. The draft guidance, developed following consultation with members, covers councillors' roles and responsibilities, the use of corporate social media accounts, and advice on artificial intelligence (AI). It was noted that while the guidance is advisory, adherence is expected and aligns with the Council's Code of Conduct. Councillors were advised to use personal devices and email addresses for political activities to avoid mixing official council business with personal matters. The guidance also addresses the issue of trolling and online abuse, with support available from the Monitoring Officer. Concerns were raised about the reliability of AI-generated content, with a warning that using it would not provide a defence against defamation claims or breaches of the Council's Code of Conduct. The committee noted the report, with the Principal Governance and Standards Solicitor advising that recorded comments on social media could be considered libel, and that councillors should continue to adhere to the Nolan Principles. Support for councillors experiencing online abuse is available from the Monitoring Officer, and serious issues should be reported to the police.

The Localism Act 2011 - Expectation of Statutory Changes to the Councillor Standards Regime

The committee was briefed on anticipated statutory changes to the councillor standards regime, stemming from a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government document published on 11 November 2025. These changes are expected to significantly impact the councillor standards framework, including the introduction of a mandatory code of conduct applicable to all local authority types and tiers. Key proposals include a requirement for principal authorities to convene formal Standards Committees, provisions for individual support during investigations, a right for review for both complainants and councillors, and powers for authorities to suspend elected members for up to six months, with the option to withhold allowances and impose premises bans. Interim suspension powers are also proposed for serious allegations involving police investigations or where sentencing is pending. A new disqualification criterion is to be introduced for members suspended more than once within five years, and a national appeals function will be established. The report noted that these changes would likely require primary and secondary legislation and are not expected to become law until late 2027 at the earliest. The council's existing standalone Standards Committee and its established Code of Conduct were seen as positioning the authority well to adapt to these anticipated changes. The committee noted the report.

Complaints Update

The committee received an update on complaints made against members of the Council. The report detailed the status, outcomes, and actions taken for complaints received between January 2025 and January 2026. It was noted that on average, there was approximately one complaint per month. The Principal Governance and Standards Solicitor advised that the Council does not accept anonymous complaints regarding councillors, and this process is separate from the Council's Whistleblowing Policy. The committee noted the report.